The Orthodontic Treatment Process

Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Zhu will complete an oral evaluation and inform you as to whether you can benefit from orthodontic treatment.  If treatment is indicated, you will be provided with a preliminary treatment plan along with the estimated costs – we will also take into account any insurance coverage you may have.

Records
Once treatment is started, the next step would be to take a full set of "before" diagnostic records which Dr. Zhu will use to develop a custom treatment plan for you.  Records typically includes:

* Impression model of the patient’s teeth
* Digital photos and X-ray records
* Taking notes of patient’s dental / medical history

Spacers (aka. separators or seps)
It is typical that spacers are used before braces go on. Spacers are small doughnut-shaped rings placed between your teeth - usually at the molars. These will stay on for 3 to 7 days.



It is used to create space between your teeth so the “molar bands” can be accurately placed. Your teeth may feel sensitive, but the discomfort will disappear in a few days.

Molar Bands & Getting Your Braces On
During your following visit, the spacers will be removed and replaced with Molar Bands. Molar Bands are metal rings to which brackets or other attachments can be connected to.



After the Molar Bands are placed, Dr. Zhu will bond brackets on each of your tooth. These brackets and bands are attached using special brace glue. An archwire will then be threaded through each bracket and / or band.



This appointment usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. You will be given clear instructions on how to take care of your new braces as well as the types of foods to avoid (eg. bubble gum, almonds, peanuts, taffy).

Regular Adjustments
The next steps will be for you to visit our office at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for adjustments – these appointments will take between 10 to 20 minutes. Dr. Zhu will adjust and reactivate the archwires.

Taking off Your Braces!
This is the day you have been looking forward to - you are finally taking off your braces! During this appointment, we will remove your archwire and then use a special plier to remove each of your brackets - this is a very quick and painless procedure. We will then remove any residual bonding glue off your teeth and then polish them off to give you a bright brand new smile!

Wearing Your Retainers
You've just spent many months correcting your bite and straightening your teeth. Now that the braces have come off, you're done, right? Well, not really...You must wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers are custom fitted clear trays that help to maintain your teeth's newly corrected positions.



It is very important to wear your retainer exactly as Dr. Zhu instructs - especially during the first year. This is because it takes about 9 months for your periodontal ligaments to fully strengthen after orthodontic treatment. If you don't wear your retainer regularly, your teeth will shift and all that effort will be wasted.